For many people, knowing their health status only becomes important when they begin to lose it. And while the advice of medical professionals and organizations differ on how frequently you should get a thorough medical checkup, the consensus is clear. Critical illnesses may show up in the form of harmless symptoms and can possibly go unnoticed.

The only way to circumvent this is through regular monitoring or regular checkups. Regardless of age, gender, or level of physical fitness, being proactive about your health should be at the top of your list. Aside from getting ahead of any potential conditions, knowing the status of your health can also be beneficial to other aspects of your life such as your finances, your future, and your retirement. Here’s why you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or clinic so you can reap the rewards of regular checkups.

Why understanding your health status is important

While you may be in generally good health, a regular checkup could provide early detection of underlying medical conditions, potentially reduce future medical bills, and help you maximize your insurance. It could also encourage a healthier lifestyle. Depending on your age and medical history, your doctor may conduct tests or ask questions. Here are some things you can expect during a check-up.

• Checking blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and height
• Discussing cancer screening tests that are appropriate for age and medical history (such as colonoscopy for colon cancer, mammogram for breast cancer, Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer)
• Discussing other screening tests such as for sexually transmitted infections, osteoporosis, hepatitis C virus)
• Drawing blood for measurements that are appropriate for age and medical history (such as cholesterol and glucose levels)
• Administering immunizations (such as for influenza, tetanus, pneumonia, shingles)
• Screening for depression
• Additional assessments for older individuals, such as fall risk, hearing loss, memory loss, and discussion of advance directives

Seeing your doctor for regular checkups can help prevent illness and is the first step to planning your future health care or advance care planning. While having discussions around this may be overwhelming, it allows you to think about and discuss your preferences about the type of care you would consider acceptable in the future.

Addressing current and future medical issues

Going for regular checkups will help your healthcare provider ascertain any underlying medical problems you might have. If you are healthy, knowing your health status may give you and your family peace of mind. Should your doctor indicate that you have a medical condition, or could develop one, these checkups help you stay one step ahead. You can learn about the risk factors you could potentially face and how they can be minimized.

Many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, can be effectively managed with regular monitoring and timely intervention. By proactively addressing these conditions, people can avoid costly complications that may arise if left untreated. Even if the illness cannot be prevented, an early diagnosis can help you plan ahead. To start your journey towards increased wellness, read on for the benefits of regular checkups.

Early detection of diseases

Regular medical checkups can help detect—and prevent—health conditions or diseases early. The American Medical Association recommends a health assessment be done every five years for adults over the age of 18, and every one to three years for those over 40 years old. During these checkups, doctors can not only detect diseases with no apparent symptoms yet, but also identify risk factors for diseases that may occur in the future. Addressing health concerns at this stage is not only less invasive but also less expensive as it helps you catch problems before they start.

A study published in 2021 revealed checkups were associated with increased cancer screening (such as for colon cancer and cervical cancer) and increased detection of chronic diseases (such as high blood pressure and depression). It was also found that regular checkups promoted overall wellness, including opting to follow a healthier diet and regular exercise schedule.

Through regular checkups, you can also assess how your health will change through the years and how it will affect your goals.

Reduce healthcare costs

The cost of healthcare continues to rise. In a 2022 study by HR consultancy firm Mercer, the cost increase in health-related claims in Asia is set to reach 11.5% in 2023. With this in mind, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” holds true, especially when it comes to healthcare costs.

Going for regular health assessments also helps you prevent big and expensive health issues in the future. Your healthcare provider will most likely speak to you about the importance of health, making healthier lifestyle changes, or early treatments. These often mitigate the need for expensive medications, surgeries, or prolonged hospital stays down the road. Updating your vaccinations, especially during flu and cold seasons, also reduces the incidence of falling sick.

Plan for the future

Life is unpredictable, which is why when it comes to health, a proactive approach could be your greatest asset. Just like you plan for your retirement and other long-term goals, regular checkups should be a priority in your overall life plan. Regular checkups are not just about safeguarding your current state of health, but also planning for a future where medical bills are not an issue. By investing in your health today, you are actively mitigating the risk of expensive medical treatments and unforeseen healthcare costs down the road.

When you go for a check-up, doctors will not only assess your current state of health, but will also look at your overall lifestyle, medical history, as well as your family's history to get a whole picture of your physical and mental health. And from these, they can gather evidence that could determine if you’re at risk for any health conditions in the future—and create solutions to get ahead of it. You're not only addressing current concerns, but also preventing future ones from occurring.

Understanding what you are at risk for—preventable or not—enhances your well-being, knowing that you can enjoy the moments that matter without worry. You can lay the foundation for a future that is not marred by unexpected medical expenses, allowing you to channel your resources toward your desired milestones.

Make the most of your insurance

Now that you have a comprehensive snapshot of your health, you are privy to a wealth of information that lets you optimize your insurance coverage. You can align your coverage with your specific needs, so that you are protected in the way that suits you best. Thanks to regular checkups, you have the valuable insight to turn your insurance into a proactive partner in your wellbeing journey.

Staying in good health can also benefit you financially if you've taken out a life insurance plan—which is always a sound strategy when planning for the future. With the right policy, the longer you remain healthy, the more benefits you’ll receive. Essentially, you’re in a better financial position when you’re physically and mentally healthy. Over time, life insurance policies that offer the potential to accumulate cash value will give you benefits that can eventually be collected and saved.

A policy like BPI AIA’s Life Ready Plus—that offers both insurance and investment—is one such health insurance plan. It’s a unit-linked life insurance plan that you can get for as low as ₱2,000 a month. And because it’s a unit-linked investment, it automatically allocates a portion of your monthly premium payments in investment funds which will grow your money in the long-term. The longer you don’t need to use it, the more it grows. It provides early-stage critical illness benefits that funds treatment, medication and recovery expenses should you get diagnosed with covered early-stage conditions or serious illnesses. And, if you are diagnosed with a covered critical illness before 75, you will receive a lump sum payment

.Life Ready Plus is under the BPI AIA Wellness Series powered by AIA Vitality, a health and wellness program that offers points and rewards for taking active steps in knowing and improving your health.

When you're protected by a policy such as Life Ready Plus, you can take away the anxiety about your retirement, and reap the rewards of remaining in good health. This ensures that you live a healthier, longer, and better life. You can finally thrive and enjoy the moments that matter. Visit the nearest BPI branch and ask to speak to a Bancassurance Sales Executive or click here for more details.

Reference

Jin, J. (2022). Routine checkups for adults. JAMA, 327(14), 1410. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.1775